Hofburg Palace, Vienna — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Hofburg is Vienna's imperial palace and one of the largest palace complexes in the world. For over 600 years, it was the seat of Habsburg power, and today it serves as the official residence of the Austrian president.

The oldest part of the Hofburg dates to 1275, built by Ottokar II of Bohemia. Nearly every ruler who followed added to it, and the complex now covers 59 acres, with 2,600 rooms, 18 building collections, and 19 courtyards. The architectural styles span Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical, creating a timeline of European architecture in a single complex.

The Hofburg was the winter residence of the Habsburgs (Schonbrunn was the summer palace). From here, the dynasty ruled the Austrian lands, the Holy Roman Empire (from 1452), and the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918.

The most popular attractions inside the complex are the Imperial Apartments, where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) lived and worked; the Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of the empress; and the Imperial Silver Collection, with elaborate table settings used for state banquets.

The Spanish Riding School, home to the famous Lipizzaner stallions, is also within the Hofburg complex, as are the Austrian National Library and the Imperial Chapel, where the Vienna Boys' Choir performs on Sundays.

The courtyards, parks, and public squares around the Hofburg are free to explore. If you're on a Questo quest through Vienna, the Hofburg is a stop where you could spend an entire day and still only scratch the surface.